Man City occasionally play with three at the back because it protects them from the threat of counter-attacks, according to boss Pep Guardiola.

The Catalan has come under-fire for using the formation at various points this season - despite it working well for leaders Chelsea.

But Guardiola has always maintained that his systems have not been to blame for City's defeats, including the shock 4-2 loss to champions Leicester City earlier this month.

In fact, the City boss argues he only used an unconventional three-man defence against Everton in October.

"Sometimes we play with three in the transition when we have the ball," he said. "Sometimes with three it’s more comfortable to avoid the counter-attacks. When they have the ball in the position of the goalkeeper we settled with four. But just once with three against Everton.